Differences (Besides Paint) between 2012 v. 2014/2015 Norges?

[Bill Hagan]

I have been asked if there are any.

I hadn't a clue.

Knowing that I was ignorant, but not wishing to sound that way, naturally, I stalled.   ;D

Then, I read through the recent thread following the very positive Rider motomag review (http://www.ridermagazine.com/road-tests/2014-moto-guzzi-norge-gt-8v-road-test-review.htm/), and did a cursory search here, but see nothing significant.

The official MG site, http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/motorcycles/norge-gt-8v.html, says that:

"New components include:

• New forks and rear shock for improved handling and corner stability, even while fully loaded
• New electrically adjusted windshield
• New 8v engine with more torque and power: 104Nm torque@ 5,500 and 102bhp.
• New fairing with improved wind protection and noise reduction for rider and pillion
• Easier to read instrument panel with trip computer, re-positioned closer to rider
• Anti slip seat with body forming foam for rider and pillion comfort
• Factory fitted center stand with improved lever arm design
• Vibration damping footrests”

That sounds like new to the firstgen like my 2007, not new to the 8v.

The (pretty slick site video — http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/motorcycles/norge-gt-8v/gallery.html#gallery-image-0 — doesn’t help much, but is fun to watch.  Looks to have been filmed in Oz.

Anyway, my interested questioner says that he’d read — but cannot find again — that the side- and center-stands had been improved over the 2012, as has the saddle.  He also heard about some tweaks to bar placement.

Can anyone confirm or deny these or other changes?  Think we have a sucker ... erm ... I mean serious buyer here.  Seriously, tho, unlike me, who keeps my Guzzis until death do us part, this guy trades for new often,  but he is not too put off by the prospect of serious depreciation if a "Really New Norge," e.g., with TC, H2O, redesign, etc., would be announced after he bought a brown one.  Yeah, he loves the color.

Bill

[Bill Hagan]

OFGS.

I get 352 hits and 23 replies when I ask about a a black-powder rifle, and nothing when I actually ask Guzzisti about Guzzis.  That ain't right ... tho I am very grateful for all that rifle advice.   ;D

Seriously, while I did not wish to say why, the original asker was my brother, who is actually thinking about a new Norge.

Yes, this is the same guy who had a 2012 in that "Virgin's Livery White" version, but sold it after he bought his Cali 1400.

He loves the latter and has piled on the miles, too. 

But, that Rider motorag review has him all misty-eyed for his Norge, so he asked -- hoping I could justify the purchase by the latest changes  :D -- if I knew of improvements to the 2012 he had.  Thus my ignored post.

So, how about helping me out here?  Are there any changes?  If not, maybe we could just make up some.  After all, as do most of us, he's just looking for any excuse.   ;)

BTW, he's keeping his Cali.

Thanks.

Bill

[Gliderjohn]

I have a 2011 8V. As far as I can tell reading review articles, etc., no changes. Really, only two things I would like to change. First is add cruise control. Second, I have three miles to ride before pavement and the oil cooler right behind the front wheel makes me nervous. One time I had to ride home through some light mud in spots and my oil cooler was almost completely clogged with mud.
GliderJohn

[nikwax]

I
The official MG site, http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/motorcycles/norge-gt-8v.html, says that:

"New components include:

• New forks and rear shock for improved handling and corner stability, even while fully loaded
• New electrically adjusted windshield
• New 8v engine with more torque and power: 104Nm torque@ 5,500 and 102bhp.
• New fairing with improved wind protection and noise reduction for rider and pillion
• Easier to read instrument panel with trip computer, re-positioned closer to rider
• Anti slip seat with body forming foam for rider and pillion comfort
• Factory fitted center stand with improved lever arm design
• Vibration damping footrests”

That sounds like new to the firstgen like my 2007, not new to the 8v.

I believe that was the list of the changes made to the first gen (2v) to reach the second gen (8v).

[frans belgium]

no changes imho besides from white to chocolate, as you mentioned

[youcanrunnaked]

The "changes" that you cited were to take the 2V model to the 8V.  What year did the Norge 8V get the roller tappets?  That's the only material change to the 8V that I am aware of.

[Bill Hagan]

The "changes" that you cited were to take the 2V model to the 8V.  What year did the Norge 8V get the roller tappets?  That's the only material change to the 8V that I am aware of.

Yes re the website changes, as I mentioned that I figured as much in my original.

But, hmmmmmm, good point on the roller-tappet matter.  Not sure about that, but maybe VdG or others are.  Thanks for raising that, as (whether so or not  ;)), it might give Michael what he needs to leap.   ;D

Thanks to all for chiming in.

Bill

[Vasco DG]

Biggest and only *Real* difference I believe is the swap to the roller top end Bill.

Pete

[JeffOlson]

Greetings from Oregon!

Former lurker here. Seriously thinking of buying a new Norge. I, too, would like to know what differences there are, if any. I would hate to buy a new leftover 2013 and find that the new 2015s have cruise control, etc.

[nikwax]

Greetings from Oregon!

Former lurker here. Seriously thinking of buying a new Norge. I, too, would like to know what differences there are, if any. I would hate to buy a new leftover 2013 and find that the new 2015s have cruise control, etc.

Hey Jeff,


I don't know where you are in Oregon, I can highly recommend Cascade Moto Classics for Moto Guzzi service in the Portland/Vancouver area. They are great people.

[Bill Hagan]

Greetings from Oregon!

Former lurker here. Seriously thinking of buying a new Norge. I, too, would like to know what differences there are, if any. I would hate to buy a new leftover 2013 and find that the new 2015s have cruise control, etc.

Jeff, think this thread pretty well stuck it.   Start at bottom.

The changes, below, were, as others mentioned -- with exception of what VdG said, below, about roller v. flat tappet -- all to firstgen models such as I have.

Even that tappet matter might not be a big deal if you are aware of its impact.  A reputable dealer should be knowledgeable of and candid about that.  And nikwax gave you positive heads-up on that.

Problem for potential purchasers might be one more of "local" availability, but a Norge is the perfect fly-buy-ride machine.  Bringing it home from afar adds to the pleasure of the purchase.  

Personally -- and many here know way more than I do -- I don't see Guzzi doing much with any secondgen Norge beyond color.  A new thirdgen Norge might come -- and festooned with all sorts of bells and whistles -- but that won't be tomorrow except in "Guzzi Days," which rival Genesis for the meaning.   ;D  

Seriously, given the Guzzi rolls out new machines and the time lag for those to hit our shores is years, not months.  Piaggio may have the time, but at my age, I don't. You could put 100K on the latest Norge before you'll see its latest, greatest replacement model.

Best wishes for miles of smiles if you decide to leap.

Bill

[JeffOlson]

Thanks, guys!

I am really waiting (hopefully) just a few days or weeks for Piaggio to announce 2015 USA models. (Don't they usually do that around the end of January, beginning of February?) I can then make a decision.

[youcanrunnaked]

2015 models were shown at EICMA in the Fall of 2014; Moto Guzzi had nothing new to show, except for the V7 II and two trim variations on the California (if you can even consider any of those as "new" models).

[JeffOlson]

I wonder if they will bring into the U.S. any 2015 Norges. Perhaps they feel the market here is too small and that there are enough leftover 2013 and 2014 models... (I hope not.)

[frans belgium]

Biggest and only *Real* difference I believe is the swap to the roller top end Bill.

Pete

Any ideas on the vin?  I bought my Norge january 2013, always thought it was a 2012 model and it already has the rollers.

[Vasco DG]

Frans, with respect, for me to chase that up would take me at least two hours phoning or emailing people, then double checking and confirming. Why not just whip a rocker cover off and look for yourself? Twenty minutes tops and your eyeball.

Pete

[frans belgium]

Frans, with respect, for me to chase that up would take me at least two hours phoning or emailing people, then double checking and confirming. Why not just whip a rocker cover off and look for yourself? Twenty minutes tops and your eyeball.

Pete

Pete, my question wasn't clear enough, I guess, I just wondered why my bike has the rollers though I suspect it to be a late 2012 model.  I'd need to check indeed.
But never mind.  Flat or rollers, I won't loose my sleep over it  ;)

[nikwax]

I wonder if they will bring into the U.S. any 2015 Norges. Perhaps they feel the market here is too small and that there are enough leftover 2013 and 2014 models... (I hope not.)

Hi Jeff,


You may be interested in the well regarded dealer in Seattle. They've been at it for years and are generally considered top notch. They should be able to show you a good variety of bikes and answer all of your questions, and I assume they have experienced mechanics there.


Again, I don't know where you are, and I'm happy to talk Norge with you in person.

[JeffOlson]

^ Thanks! (PM sent.)

[guzziks]

My local dealer has a brown 2015 Norge.  Also some good prices on v7' s and 1400' s.

[frans belgium]

@Bill
A fellow boardmember kindly pm'd me. 
Confirmation of what I thought: roller tappets for the Norge were indeed introduced in 2012
So flats or rollers:  it all depends on the vin number.
If it already has the rollers, then I would think there is no difference between the 2012 and 2014/15 model?

Frans

[Bill Hagan]

@Bill
A fellow boardmember kindly pm'd me. 
Confirmation of what I thought: roller tappets for the Norge were indeed introduced in 2012
So flats or rollers:  it all depends on the vin number.
If it already has the rollers, then I would think there is no difference between the 2012 and 2014/15 model?

Frans

Thanks, Frans.

And to all who responded.

Really appreciate the confirmation of what I suspected but did not know.

Now, of course, very curious if Michael will leap on his impulse.   ;)

Bill

[blackcat]

My local dealer has a brown 2015 Norge. 

Blech, what a hideous color. Those brown bike's should be discounted to deal with the cost to repaint.

[youcanrunnaked]

I am still a bit unclear when Moto Guzzi introduced the roller the tappet 8V throughout the Big Block range, and whether this was a running change in 2012 or a model year change for 2012, or some of each depending on the model.  If it was a running change, I assume one would have to either physically examine each particular 2012 model they were interested in buying, or know what VIN was the first in each line to receive the updated engine.

[guzziks]

Not only is the brown distasful when seen in person, when my wife and I test rode it, the vibration was excessive.  So we kept the 07 fast (way smoother) Red Norge.

[Gliderjohn]

Quote from guzziks:

Not only is the brown distasful when seen in person, when my wife and I test rode it, the vibration was excessive.  So we kept the 07 fast (way smoother) Red Norge.

Then I would guess something was not set up correctly. Yes, you do feel that it is a big twin at idle but once rolling it should be smooth with at most a barely felt vibration that is not distracting in any way. My mirrors are clear at 80mph.
GliderJohn

[guzziks]

Then I would guess something was not set up correctly. Yes, you do feel that it is a big twin at idle but once rolling it should be smooth with at most a barely felt vibration that is not distracting in any way. My mirrors are clear at 80mph.
GliderJohn

yes I agree, my 07 was way smoother at that time.  Since then I adjusted the valves which were quite a ways off spec, and my 07 is even smoother now then before.


I told the dealer twice now that it needs a tune up.  That assuming it came from the factory set up correctly is a false assumption.  He did not seem to care.  So there you go another bike will set and age.  Lamentations from the dealer will commence.

[canuguzzi]

For a good price, jump on that 2013. I have one. It is velvet smooth. It will run in the high 80-low 90 mph range all day until you run out of gas which is around the 240 mile mark.

The white ones are just a tad faster than the brown ones unless you have a brown one. Just call it choco or espresso colored to explain it.

Run it in well. I experienced some minor issues with the Norge Map when it has not so many miles on it so went back to stock for a while. A proper run, one that made the engine sing, my loins surge and the women scream seems to have sorted it out for the map which made for a subtle but nice update.

Handle bar risers are a cinch, search for the how to, and cheap compared to everything else because there is nothing else (previous version risers do not work). Be wary of using any oils or lubes that can attack rubber if messing with the handlebars because yes, they are rubber mounted.

Before you do anything else, get the tank off and route electric power to where you can get to it, that will save you effort later on.

Across states or just across town, its a joy.